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Transportation

Transportation is a very important issue. This page provides information and resources to better understand your transportation options. We want to help you get around Duke, Durham and the Triangle region as best you can. You are welcome to contact International House with specific transportation questions.

Getting Around Without A Car

If you don't drive, or you won't have a car while you are here, do not be discouraged. It is fairly easy to get around without a car. It just takes some extra time and a bit of planning. There are lots of people living here without a car. Take a look at these transportation options.

Duke Bus System

The Duke Bus System is FREE. You may get on and off Duke buses at no cost. The main bus lines are East-West (C1) and East-West-Central (C2). A third line is East-Science Drive weekdays during the school year (C3).

There is also the LaSalle Bus Loop which stops near many of the apartment complexes right off of West Campus.

Duke's new GPS transit system allows real-time location data for Duke buses. Duke community members and visitors can use a computer or mobile device to track buses at any of the 113 bus stops on and around campus. Visit this website to track buses.

Duke Vans

Duke Vans (919-684-2020) supplements Duke’s regular bus service and provides an alternative to walking home at night. Duke Vans provides Duke employees and students with no cost on-demand van service to campus areas, and certain off campus areas, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., daily, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Also check out the LaSalle Loop bus which passes many of the apartment complexes off of West Campus and then drives past Kroger Food Store. This bus runs every 30 minutes throughout the entire year Mondays-Fridays.

Local Taxicabs

The Durham City Bus System (DATA)

DATA is the abbreviated name for the city of Durham bus system. The two city buses that stop at Duke University/Hospital are Bus #6 and Bus #11. If you are a Duke student, you can obtain a GO PASS which allows you to ride the city buses for free. If you are a Duke employee, you can pay $25 and obtain a GO PASS. Unfortunately spouses are not allowed to purchase GO PASS. However the city bus is not expensive. And one can purchase bus passes. For more information visit the Duke Transportation and Parking Office.

The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA)

The TTA is a regional bus system, travelling between Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. If you need to go to RDU airport, the TTA bus can get you there. However allow at least one hour for travel time.

If you need to go to NC State Univeristy in Raleigh or University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, you can take the TTA.

If you are a Duke student, you can obtain a GO PASS which allows you to ride the regional buses for free.If you are a Duke employee, you can pay $25 and obtain a GO PASS.Unfortunately spouses cannot purchase a GO PASS. However the regional buses are not expensive. One can also purchase bus passes to reduce costs.

Enterprise Car Share

Enterprise Car Share is a car-sharing program. If you have a driver's license from your country of residence, you can use it to become a member of this program. It is a wonderful program and we highly recommend signing up for it.

Enterprise Car Share is an excellent solution for people who only need a car once in a while. Perhaps for a day trip or to the store, etc. If you are going to rent for longer periods of time, it is more beneficial to rent from a company off campus. Rent by the hour or for the day. You can pick up and drop off car at several campus locations.

Purchasing a car

If you plan to purchase a second-hand car, one question to consider is.... how LONG are you going to be in Durham?

If you are here for a year or less, you may want to think about leasing a car with First Choice Leasing.

Students and Scholars and Spouses can drive in North Carolina on their home driver's license, as long as it has not expired. Look at our Flowchart to determine whether or not you need to get a North Carolina drivers license.

Getting A Driver's License

To get a driver's license, you first need to pass a written exam (computer based) at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'd better prepare for the exam. See the Driver's Handbook. Trying some practice test before hand would be very helpful. See a sample prep test.

After you pass the written exam (which is actually taken on a computer), you will get a learner's permit. With a Learner's Permit, you can practice driving under the guidance of an experienced driver. Finally, you need to take a road test if you want to get a full driver's license. In order to take the road test, you need to bring a car to the DMV and have automobile insurance in your name.

When you pass the road test, you will be issued a driver's license. You need to show your ID, proof of residency, and proof of auto insurance. If you do not own a car and just want to get a driver's license, you will need to get auto insurance. The Good news is, you can purchase a non-owner’s insurance policy for around $180 a month. For more information on non-owner insurance, click here.

Renting And/Or Leasing A Vehicle

Are you here for one year or less? First Choice Leasing works with you to find a car you would feel comfortable leasing. Minimum lease of 6 months is required although one can inquire about a four month lease (semester long lease). If you want to learn more about renting options, see Renting a Car.

Driving Instruction

Want to Learn how to Drive? If you would like to learn how to drive one day, Durham is an excellent place to learn how. Although driving lessons can be costly, we STRONGLY recommend lessons from a private company as opposed to learning from a friend. It is well worth the money. For information about driving lessons, there are several local driving schools: All Around Driving, Andes Driving School and Above Average Driving School. Take a look at our Driving Lessons fact sheet.

On-Campus Parking at Duke

You must purchase a parking permit if you plan to park at Duke each day.